Election Reform Commission Chairman Badiul Alam Majumder has claimed that his statement was distorted and he has fallen victim to the phenomenon of goring viral.
He said this referring his recent comment regarding Awami League’s participation in election.
Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujon), participated in a discussion on September 14 after he was given responsibility as the chairman of the commission.
According to the media reports, he said at the program that elections will “not be unacceptable” without Awami League’s participation.
Referring this, Badiul Alam said that he personally prefers to speak candidly. He claimed that his statement was distorted while it was presented in the media.
“Recently, by speaking openly, I have fallen prey to the phenomenon of going viral.”
He made these comments on Saturday at a seminar titled "What Kind of Electoral System Reform Do We Want?" held at the Sirdap in the capital.
The seminar was organized by the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED), where Ministry of Jute and Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain was also present, along with representatives from various political parties and student organizations.
Regarding his statements made during a recent shadow parliament debate organized by "Debate for Democracy," Badiul Alam Majumdar explained: "When asked whether elections would be acceptable without the Awami League, I spoke from an open position. Now, Awami League leaders and activists are absconding; they are not in the field. If they cannot be organized and participate in the elections without any minimum obstacles, then the elections will not be unacceptable. But this has been distorted to mean that elections will be unacceptable without the Awami League."
He also expressed hope that journalists would play a responsible role.
Referring to elections as a long-term process, the Shujon secretary stated: "From the voter list to the voting process, everything must be conducted fairly, impartially, and be acceptable. The entire process must be accurate and trustworthy to the public."
He believes that the caretaker government system was abolished to make power permanent.
Mentioning the political consensus in the 1991 elections, he noted: "They formulated and adhered to a code of conduct for the elections. Everyone must play a role; everyone must come forward."
He further stated that the reform commission will propose measures with neutrality, integrity, and professionalism, "so that there is no betrayal of the blood that has been shed."
However, he clarified that the appointment of the Election Commission (EC) is not under the purview of the reform commission, saying: "That is the government's jurisdiction. Through consultation, the government should make the right decision."
